From December 8 to 28, the Liceu presents 15 performances of Madama Butterfly under the baton of Paolo Bortolameolli. The internationally acclaimed production features Sonya Yoncheva, Saioa Hernández, and Ailyn Pérez in the role of Cio-Cio-San, one of the most demanding in the operatic repertoire.
Madama Butterfly by Puccini returns to the Liceu under the baton of Paolo Bortolameolli, with a production by Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier, offering a total of 15 performances (the first exclusively for the LiceUnder35 audience). The opera Madama Butterfly is set in Nagasaki at the end of the 19th century, during a time when Japan opened its doors to the world and the West discovered its unique cultural sensitivity. This production blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with meticulous realism in representing the ethical values of medieval Japan.
Acclaimed since its premiere in 2003, this production has been recognized as one of the most exquisite and faithful to Puccini's spirit. This marks the fourth time it will grace the stage of the Gran Teatre del Liceu, reaffirming its place as one of the most beloved works in the operatic repertoire.
Plot
Madama Butterfly tells the story of Cio-Cio-San, a young Japanese woman who marries B.F. Pinkerton, an American lieutenant stationed in Nagasaki. To her, the marriage is sacred, but for him, it is merely a pastime. Pinkerton departs after fulfilling his desires, promising to return, but three years pass without him doing so. When he reappears, he is already married to another woman and comes to claim the child Cio-Cio-San had in secret. Humiliated, she agrees to hand over her son and takes her own life with her father’s sword. The opera addresses universal themes such as cultural clashes, lack of empathy, and toxic relationships, all underscored by masterful music that combines cruelty and compassion.
Production
The production of Madama Butterfly directed by Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier, first created in 2003 as a collaboration between London’s Royal Opera House and the Gran Teatre del Liceu, has established itself as one of the most sought-after modern stagings of this iconic opera. In Barcelona, this will be its fourth revival (following the 2005/06, 2012/13, and 2018/19 seasons), while in London, it has already seen ten performances. The historically accurate setting faithfully places the story in late 19th-century Japan, reflecting the Western fascination with Japanese culture at the time. Christian Fenouillat’s scenography meticulously recreates traditional Japanese houses, while Agostino Cavalca’s costumes, both Japanese and Western, enhance the authenticity of the narrative.
This production stands out not only for its visual beauty but also for the ethical depth of its story. The protagonist, Cio-Cio-San, faces her tragic final decision with a sense of Japanese honor that culminates in a ritualistic seppuku. The contrast between the aesthetic elegance and the emotional intensity of the drama makes this version one of the most memorable and faithful to the spirit of Puccini's masterpiece, which the composer regarded as the finest of all his creations.
The music
The role of Cio-Cio-San, the protagonist of Madama Butterfly, is one of the most demanding in the operatic repertoire. It requires a soprano with a delicate vocal timbre, impeccable technique, and exceptional acting skills. Additionally, the physical demands are significant: Butterfly remains on stage for nearly the entire performance, sustaining the dramatic and musical tension in an intense emotional arc that culminates in the final catharsis. This intensity has led many singers to carefully pace this role throughout their careers due to its unique physical and emotional challenges.
For the 14 performances scheduled between December 9 and 28 (with an exclusive preview for the LiceUnder35 audience on December 8), the Liceu has assembled a high-caliber cast. The lead role will be performed by three highly acclaimed sopranos: Bulgarian Sonya Yoncheva, Spanish Saioa Hernández, and American Ailyn Pérez, all at prominent points in their careers. The musical direction will be led by Maestro Paolo Bortolameolli.
The cast is rounded out by exceptional singers in other principal roles: the part of Pinkerton, written for a spinto tenor, will be performed by Matthew Polenzani, Fabio Sartori, and Celso Albelo; Suzuki by mezzosopranos Gemma Coma-Alabert, Annalisa Stroppa, and Teresa Iervolino; and Sharpless by baritones Lucas Meachem, Thomas Mayer, and Gerardo Bullón. Goro will be portrayed by Juan Noval Moro and Pablo García-López, while the roles of Yamadori, the Bonze, and Kate Pinkerton will be performed by Carlos Cosías, David Lagares, and Montserrat Seró, respectively.
With a faithful depiction of 19th-century Japan and carefully crafted artistic direction, this production promises a unique musical and visual experience for opera enthusiasts.
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